6 Curves Women Use When Dating and What They Really Mean

No one likes being rejected or getting turned down. Not only can it be damaging to the ego, but if it’s done in haste or plain bad taste it can really rock a guy’s confidence and send him on a downward spiral.

These days, however, more and more millennial women skip the logistics. They take a more passive-aggressive approach to letting a guy know she is not interested, causing blurred lines or what is considered the “curve.” To help clear up any confusion, here are six of the most common “curves” women use today when rejecting a guy and some respectful alternatives to letting him down easily.

Common Curve #1: You ask her out on a date and she responds with a “maybe” or, “I’ve been really busy lately, but I’ll check my schedule and see.”

What It Means: Even the busiest of women know their plans for the week, including any free time. So, fellas, she’s just not interested in squeezing in any quality time with you. We al have things to do but if a person wants to make time to see you – they will. A “maybe” or saying you have to “check and see” is a clear sign of hesitancy and disinterest.

Classy Curve Alternative: Let him know right away that you are flattered but you just aren’t ready to take it to that level. Or you’re just not interested.

Common Curve #2: She responds to your texts with one-word or repetitive answers or repetitive short-hand, like lol, k, idk, cool, hahaha.

What It Means: Most women love to talk. That’s our primary form of communication. The more we express ourselves the more we like you. So, if you’re doing more of the talking and sharing in person and over text, and her responses are often detached and generic, she is not interested.

Classy Curve Alternative: If you are busy or just a bad texter, let him know. Otherwise try and keep the texts as friendly and light as possible without blurring any lines. Don’t flirt. Be honest about your lack of romantic interest.

What It Means: Again, women are natural communicators so any time we get the opportunity to talk or verbally express ourselves, we take it. If she is limiting you to short text convos, and is always conveniently missing your calls, she wants to keep you at a distance. Opening up another more personal line of communication, like speaking on the phone, can cause lines to become crossed – literally!

Classy Curve Alternative: If you aren’t comfortable with talking on the phone or feel like long phone conversations will cross a boundary you aren’t comfortable with, let him know.

Common Curve #4: She “reads” but doesn’t respond.

What It Means: With the help of technology, it’s easier to know when you are being blatantly ignored. Not only can you tell when someone has received your text message, you can also see when they see it, open it, read it or IGNORE IT. If you are sending her messages and she routinely reads them but doesn’t respond not (yet constantly snaps stories or posts selfies on Instagram) she doesn’t consider you a priority.

Classy Curve Alternative: Umm, don’t be rude – respond! And tell him you’re not interested if that is the case.

Common Curve #5: “Aww, that’s so nice! You’re such a good friend.”

What It Means: You’re in The Friend Zone. However, as disappointing as it is to be curved by a love interest as “just a friend,” it’s better than being led on.

Classy Curve Alternative: Say this to make your friendship status clear.“ You are a great guy but I don’t see you that way. I value our friendship and don’t want to risk losing that. I would love it if we could continue on being friends.”

Common Curve #6: You: “Excuse me Miss, I was wonderi-,” Her: “Sorry I have a (imaginary) boyfriend.”

What It Means: I’m not necessarily proud of this but I’ve faked having a boyfriend, and even pretended to be married just to get a guy off my back. Tactful? No. Did it work? Hell yea! Guys, do yourselves a favor and bow out gracefully if you’re hit with this curve.

Classy Curve Alternative: Say this to let him down gently but honestly. “I appreciate you having the courage and taking the time to try and get to know me, but I’m just not interested. Thank you though.” Hopefully, he’ll walk away now that you’ve set him on the straight and narrow.

Tiffani is a true city gal, hailing from the concrete jungle of New York City. With a large coffee in tow (that’s pronounced caw-fee to my non-New Yorkers) this closeted “self-help” addict and Lifestyles writer is on a continuous quest to discover how to have the best romantic life. An old soul with new age sarcasm, Tiffani’s sharp, witty and tell-it-like-it-is attitude has resulted in many a snafu as she tries to navigate and conquer the most challenging and complicated assignment of all: dating the New York City man. Come a long for the ride as this seasoned serial dater tries to find balance between her journey to self-love and her old school values on dating and relationships. She writes about her lessons and adventures in dating as a twenty-something millennial and all the new rules that apply.